News Summary
Major construction activities are starting in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, impacting traffic flow as the University Line Bus Rapid Transit Project moves into its second phase. North Bouquet Street will be closed while significant road work and detours may lead to increased congestion, particularly on Forbes Avenue. The $99.8 million project aims to improve transit efficiency and safety while modernizing local infrastructure with new transit stations and pedestrian features. The construction phase is expected to last until late 2027, causing ongoing disruptions for commuters.
Construction and Traffic Disruptions Begin in Pittsburgh’s Oakland Neighborhood as University Line Project Advances into Second Phase
Pittsburgh, PA — Starting this weekend, major construction activities are set to impact traffic flow and local commute in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, as the second phase of the University Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project initiates. The ongoing infrastructure upgrades aim to improve transit service between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland but are expected to cause significant travel delays and detours in the coming months.
Road Closures and Detours Begin This Weekend
Effective from early Saturday morning, North Bouquet Street from Fifth Avenue to O’Hara Street will be closed until 6 a.m. Monday. This closure is part of the reconstruction process, which includes line painting and road work, to support the new transit infrastructure. During this time, drivers and passengers should anticipate disruptions and plan alternate routes accordingly.
In addition to North Bouquet Street closures, the Parkway East will be fully closed for the entire weekend, adding to the expected traffic congestion in Oakland and surrounding areas. Commuters using this route should expect detours and delays, especially along key thoroughfares entering the neighborhood.
Impact on Traffic and Public Transit Routes
As a result of these closures, Forbes Avenue, a primary thoroughfare running through Oakland, will experience increased congestion. The street will serve as a main detour route for vehicles traveling through the project zone. To help manage bus operations during this period, Fifth and Forbes Avenue bus routes will operate on schedule, with assistance from flaggers to help maintain smooth traffic flow.
Line painting on Forbes Avenue from Craft Avenue to Schenley Drive Extension is scheduled to occur Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., further restricting traffic movement in the area. Travelers are advised to anticipate delays and leave early to accommodate the construction activities and avoid potential frustration.
Details of the University Line Project
The University Line BRT Project is a $99.8 million initiative supported by a comprehensive plan to develop 18 new transit stations equipped with amenities such as fare-vending machines and real-time bus arrival displays. The project aims to enhance transit efficiency, provide quicker access between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland, and modernize the existing infrastructure.
Construction will result in upgrading 39 intersections across Oakland and Uptown neighborhoods. These upgrades include the installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian countdown signals to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians of all abilities.
Furthermore, the project involves creating new sidewalks, planting trees, and installing streetlights in both Oakland and Uptown neighborhoods, contributing to improved pedestrian environments and neighborhood aesthetics.
Timeline and Future Developments
The current phase of construction is expected to continue until late 2027. During this period, various bus routes operating through Oakland and Uptown will experience disruptions, and travelers should prepare for extended travel times.
Later this year, construction work is scheduled to shift to Fifth Avenue, with additional activities anticipated to begin in early 2026. The entire project has a total estimated budget of approximately $291 million, which covers expansion plans beyond Oakland and Downtown, including routes to Highland Park, Greenfield, and McKeesport, once suitable funding is secured.
Community Engagement and Public Information
To keep the community informed, future public meetings will be organized, providing residents and commuters with updates on construction schedules, detour plans, and expected timelines. Local officials emphasize the importance of early departure and patience during the construction period to minimize travel frustrations.
Overall, the University Line BRT project represents a significant investment in Pittsburgh’s transit infrastructure, aimed at modernizing the system, improving transit times, and supporting neighborhood development. However, residents and travelers should expect ongoing disruptions as these improvements are implemented over the next several years.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Pittsburgh Regional Transit Oakland Construction
- Wikipedia: Pittsburgh
- Union Progress: Work on Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s University Line
- Google Search: Pittsburgh Regional Transit University Line
- Post-Gazette: PRT Oakland University Line Construction Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pittsburgh Public Transit
- WTAE: Pittsburgh Regional Transit University Line Construction Project
- Google News: Pittsburgh Regional Transit
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